Preview: Benfica v Monaco
Monday, November 3, 2014
Article summary
Jorge Jesus is aware this is a must-win encounter if SL Benfica's knockout round dreams are to be realised, but Leonardo Jardim has his sights on a first with AS Monaco FC.
Article top media content
Article body
• Winless Benfica host Monaco looking to stay alive in Group C
• Jorge Jesus says the home team "have to win" if they are to progress
• Leonardo Jardim aims to lead the first Monaco side to win at Benfica
• Lisandro is suspended following his red card on matchday three
• Monaco have won just six of their 15 matches this season
Possible lineups
Benfica: Júlio César; Maxi, Luisão, Jardel, André Almeida; Samaris, Enzo, Salvio, Gaitán; Talisca, Lima.
• Out: Lisandro (suspended), Eliseu (foot)
• Doubtful: John (thigh)
Monaco: Subašić; Fabinho, Elderson, Carvalho, Kurzawa; Toulalan, Kondogbia, Moutinho; Ferreira Carrasco, Germain, Martial.
• Out: Berbatov (groin), Borja López (knee)
Jorge Jesus, Benfica coach
To continue to play in the Champions League we have to win. That gives us a chance of going through. If we do win it will be because of our game plan. If we don't, it won't be for a lack of experience: we know what decisions to make to get results in this comeptition.
Looking at our performances in this group, we could have scored more goals. We are a creative team who usually score goals, so I think we will soon start to score more. These things can happen in football; we could quickly regain our flair and attacking quality. Tomorrow I imagine there will be two even teams. We may have the advantage, playing in our stadium with our fans behind us, and this will be very important for us to beat Monaco and stay on course to progress.
Leonardo Jardim, Monaco coach
This is a very important match for us – another game against a good Benfica side. The group standings don't reflect their quality. As for us, we would have liked to have scored more so far, but we are also one of the teams with least goals conceded. Balance is crucial. We must keep the stability we had in the first three matches and then try to be more effective up front.
I think all four teams are very even. This will be an important match for Benfica, not only for their future in this competition but also because there is a Europa League place at stake. I have never managed to beat Benfica, though I have been getting closer. Monaco have never won at Benfica, but there is a first time for everything.
Weekend results
Benfica 1-0 Rio Ave FC (Talisca 60)
Monaco 1-1 Stade de Reims (Elderson 20; Moukandjo 80)
Form guide (all competitions)
Benfica: WLDWWL
Monaco: DWDWDD
Match facts
• How many of Benfica's ten home games against French sides have the Eagles lost? Find out in our extensive match background.